Skype regularly updates the various versions across different platforms to improve functionality and fix bugs. Most of the time these updates will happen in the background, but essential updates will prevent you from using Skype at all until you've updated. Updating Skype will not erase any of your contacts or message history.

Steps

Method1

Windows Desktop

1

Open the Skype program. You can upgrade Skype whether or not you are logged in.

If the update is urgent, you will be notified about it as soon as Skype launches.

2

Click the "Help" menu and select "Check for Updates".

3

Click .Downloadif an update is available. The download will usually take just a few moments.

4

Click .Upgradeto install the downloaded update. Windows may prompt you to allow the update installer to run.

5

Select your language (if prompted). You may be asked to select your language before the upgrade begins. You will also be asked to review the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

6

Decide if you want to install Click to Call (if prompted). You may be asked if you want to install the Skype plugin for your browser. This plugin allows you to click phone numbers in your web browser and dial them with Skype.

If you don't want to install it, uncheck the box.

7

Decide if you want to make Bing your search engine (if prompted). You may be asked if you want to set your browser home page and default search engine to Bing. These options are usually checked by default.

8

Wait for the upgrade to install. This may take a few minutes. If you are logged into Skype, you will be logged out during the upgrade process.

9

Sign into Skype. When the upgrade is complete, you will be prompted to enter your username and password again. Enter them and click "Sign In" to start using your upgraded Skype program.

10

Reinstall Skype if something goes wrong. If the upgrade won't download or doesn't install correctly, the quickest way to fix it is to uninstall and reinstall Skype. You won't lose your contacts or message history.

Launch Skype. Once you've copied Skype into the Applications folder, double-click it to start it. Click Open if prompted.

7

Sign into Skype. When the upgrade is complete, you will be prompted to enter your username and password again. Enter them and click "Sign In" to start using your upgraded Skype program.

Method3

Android

1

Launch the Skype app and tap "Download" when prompted to update. This will open the Play Store.

If you receive the "Unable to connect to Skype" message, you will have to open the Play Store yourself and search for Skype manually. You should also ensure that you are running Android 2.3 or later.

2

Tap "Update" on the Skype Store page to begin installing the update. If Skype has added new system permissions, you will be asked to review and accept them.

3

Tap "Open" to launch the updated Skype app after it finishes.

4

Sign into Skype. When the upgrade is complete, you will be prompted to enter your username and password again. Enter them and tap "Sign In" to start using your upgraded Skype program.

Method4

iOS

1

Start the Skype app and tap "Get it now". This will launch the App Store.

If you start Skype and receive the "Unable to sign in, please restart your device and try again" message, you'll need to open the App Store and search for Skype manually.

2

Tap the "Update" button on the Skype App Store page.

If you're running iOS 6 or lower, you'll be prompted to download the last compatible version for your device, which is Skype 4.7.

3

Tap "Install". You may be prompted to enter your Apple ID password.

4

Tap "Open" when the installation is complete. This will launch the updated version of Skype.

5

Sign into Skype. When the upgrade is complete, you will be prompted to enter your username and password again. Enter them and tap "Sign In" to start using your upgraded Skype program.

Method5

Windows 8

1

Open the Windows Store from the Start screen. You can also search for "Store" from the Start screen.

Windows 8.1 automatically updates apps by default, so this may not be necessary.

2

Open the Charms bar after with the Windows Store on the screen. You can open the Charms bar by swiping in from the right side of the screen, or by moving your mouse to the upper-right corner.

3

Tap or click "Settings" and then "App updates".

4

Tap or click "Check for updates". Windows Store will check for any updates available for your installed apps.

5

Tap or click Skype in the list of apps with updates available. The update process will begin automatically.

6

Sign into Skype. When the upgrade is complete, you will be prompted to enter your username and password again when you start Skype. Enter them and hit "Sign In" to start using your upgraded Skype program.[1]